Howland Library Announces New Hours

(Beacon) - On Tuesday, September 5, 2006, Howland Public Library hours will change to Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM; Tuesday & Thursday 9:30 AM-8PM; Saturday 10:00 AM-4PM; and Sunday 12:00 PM-4:00 PM. The reduction from a 64-hour week to a 55-hour week is due to the increased cost of operations and the defeat of the 2006 library budget.

Libraries exist to serve the public. It is distressing to have to reduce hours, staff, and services. However, Howland Public Library has operated without a tax increase since 2004-the last year that library hours were increased. Natural gas costs have risen about 80% in that time, and electricity costs rose about 30%. Other costs continue to rise. The library cannot maintain the same level of service without community support.

Reduced hours and staff shifts have resulted in the layoff of one part-time librarian and the loss of an additional nine librarian hours. At the same time, Dutchess Works, which offered free employment counseling to the public in exchange for a library office, utilities, and internet access, can no longer place a counselor here. HPL will continue to offer jobseekers use of computers, access to employment websites, and basic help, but HPL cannot provide individualized career counseling. The loss of Dutchess Works as a partner is no small thing.

Another casualty is the library coordinator who matched volunteer tutors with academically-challenged students recommended by Beacon City School District teachers. This free tutoring program has been offered by Howland Public Library for five years. HPL regrets that tutoring cannot be offered this year, and that no other area library provides this service. Once again, HPL does not have enough staff to offer individualized help. Instead, the library will expand the after-school Homework program from three to four afternoons. A youth services librarian will remain available to children, teens and families in need of assistance on weekends.

Library clerical hours have been reduced by about 22, and one part-time vacancy will not be filled. Last year, people borrowed 87,351 items from the Howland Public Library. Library clerks handled all of these transactions, plus many other duties. Multiply 87,351 transactions by $25 per item - the average cost of a new novel - and the Howland Public Library saved library users in the Beacon City School District about $2,183,775 in materials alone.

Part-time custodial staff hours are being cut by five. With the exception of service partners, such as Dutchess B.O.C.E.S. which offers free GED classes, outside organizations that meet in the library will be charged a room use fee to defray maintenance costs. Also, a materials fee will be instituted for programs such as babysitter certification and computer classes. A re-shelving fee will be imposed when reserved (holds) items are left unclaimed. Notaries at the library will charge the legal fee for their services. A library card for an out-of-district user will cost $30.00 per year, not $20.00, reflecting per capita library funding.

For more information about changes at the Howland Public Library, or for information about library materials, programs and services, visit their facility at 313 Main Street in Beacon or visit the library online at www.beaconlibrary.org.